When a bunch of daredevil dirt bike riders tore round an oval track in Epping Forest 90 years ago, they couldn’t have envisaged what they’d just started.

The riders in that meeting behind the Kings Oak pub in High Beech on February 19, 1928, were taking part in what is recognised as the first ever speedway meeting.

Speedway is now watched by tens of thousands of spectators all over the world and every year on the weekend closest to the anniversary of that date fans flock to Paradise Wildlife Park in Waltham Cross to pay homage to the pioneers of the sport’s early days, the heroes of today and everybody else in between.

Former rider Bert Harkins launches his autobiography

The popular event - which this year took place last Sunday (February 18) - is organised by the World Speedway Riders Association (WSRA) adjacent to the National Speedway Museum, within the grounds of the wildlife park.

Last year more than 1,500 people attended the event and this year’s figure was thought to be even higher.

Visitors were given the chance to get a close-up look at a huge selection of speedway bikes and memorabilia from throughout the years, test their reflexes on a starting gate simulator and take a look at the many trade stalls.

Several clubs had their own stalls, including Rye House Rockets, who last year stepped up to the Premiership – British speedway’s top tier.

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The throaty roar of some of those machines after being fired up, and the accompanying sweet smell of burning methanol proved a big hit, giving fans a tantalising reminder of what’s to come when tapes go up on the new season next month.

Once again a host of famous speedway names past and present mingled with fans, among them Rye House Rockets captain and seven-times British champion Scott Nicholls, former World Team Cup gold medallist Bruce Cribb and former England captain turned TV pundit Kelvin Tatum.

Rye House Rockets brought some glamour to the day

Three-time world long track champion Tatum was impressed by both the event and turn-out, and said: “I was surprised that when I arrived the car park was already full, which is encouraging. It’s a nice day and I was delighted to see so many people.

“We could always do with more fans and you could argue that we need a new, younger audience, and that’s something that all promoters are working hard to do, but on days like this in the build-up to the season, it’s fantastic to see so many people here.”

On the committee which works so hard to put the event on is former Scotland international Bert Harkins, who launched his autobiography, My Crazy Speedway World, at this year’s Celebration of Speedway.

He said: “It was a terrific turn-out and it’s so nice to see and do. It’s a great day out for families too because they can enjoy the lions and tiger and all the other animals at the wildlife park.

“There’s a lot of work involved in organising this but it pays off in the end because there is such a good response. People always say how much they enjoy the day.”